Ayodhya Airport To Handle 60 Lakh Passengers Annually, AAI Unveils Rs 1,625 Crore Expansion Plan Amid Surging Footfall

In response to the soaring passenger traffic following the Ram Mandir consecration, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) has unveiled an ambitious Rs 1,625 crore expansion plan for the Maharshi Valmiki International Airport, reported Indiatimes.

The project aims to significantly enhance capacity and infrastructure, catering to the rising demand.

The expansion, slated for completion within 28 months, will see the airport’s annual passenger handling capacity skyrocket from 0.16 million passengers per annum (MPPA) to 6 MPPA. 

This move comes as Ayodhya experiences a major influx of visitors following the grand opening of the Ram Mandir on 22 January 2024.

To support the growing air traffic, the number of aircraft bays will more than double, increasing from 8 to 18. This expansion will enable smoother flight operations and accommodate more airlines, further enhancing connectivity to the city.

With a significant rise in footfall, the total airport area will expand from 141 hectares to 331 hectares, ensuring improved facilities and operational efficiency. The Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change has already granted environmental clearance, paving the way for rapid execution.

Since Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Maharishi Valmiki International Airport on 30 December 2023, Ayodhya now has direct air connectivity with six Indian cities: Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, and Hyderabad.

On average, 10 to 11 flights operate daily to and from Ayodhya, serviced by three airlines: IndiGo, SpiceJet, and Air India Express.